Children help police nab 12 criminals on New Year’s eve

New year's eve

Children light fireworks on December 31, 2021 on New Year’s eve.  Scores of children in Maragua town, Murang’a County who turned out to usher in the new year have been lauded for helping police arrest muggers.

Photo credit: Sila Kiplagat | Nation Media Group

Scores of children in Maragua town, Murang’a County who turned out in the streets to wait for the New Year have been lauded by residents and security officers for helping enforce the rule of law.

"The children helped us arrest seven muggers and five pickpockets who were targeting alcoholics," said Maragua Police Station OCS Cleophas Mangut.

Two of the arrested suspects were in a list of 10 most wanted criminals.

"The children would scream at every incident of mugging and pickpocketing and give chase. Police on patrol would notice and respond, leading to arrests," Mr Mangut said.

The town had at least five active religious night vigils and all bars enjoyed suspension of legal provisions on December 31 and allowed to operate in a similar manner till January 3, 2022.

The children had at one time chased a pickpocket who escaped into a bar, but they entered and flushed him out.

Another mugger was pursued into a bar, arrested and the Sh1,000 he had robbed a victim recovered.

"The input of the children was a blessing to us since they boldly took over the role of securing their town," said Murang'a South Sub-County Police Commander Alexander Shikondi.

In a day that regional security committee had warned bars to observe legal closing hour of 11pm, most operated throughout the night.